James Whitcomb Riley

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The Old Guitar Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis

Rhyme Scheme: ABABAB CDCDDD DEDEDE DFDFDG HDHDHD BAIABA

Neglected now is the old guitarA
And moldering into decayB
Fretted with many a rift and scarA
That the dull dust hides awayB
While the spider spins a silver starA
In its silent lips to dayB
-
The keys hold only nerveless stringsC
The sinews of brave old airsD
Are pulseless now and the scarf that clingsC
So closely here declaresD
A sad regret in its ravelingsD
And the faded hue it wearsD
-
But the old guitar with a lenient graceD
Has cherished a smile for meE
And its features hint of a fairer faceD
That comes with a memoryE
Of a flower and perfume haunted placeD
And a moonlit balconyE
-
Music sweeter than words confessD
Or the minstrel's powers inventF
Thrilled here once at the light caressD
Of the fairy hands that lentF
This excuse for the kiss I pressD
On the dear old instrumentG
-
The rose of pearl with the jeweled stemH
Still blooms and the tiny setsD
In the circle all are here the gemH
In the keys and the silver fretsD
But the dainty fingers that danced o'er themH
Alas for the heart's regretsD
-
Alas for the loosened strings to dayB
And the wounds of rift and scarA
On a worn old heart with its roundelayI
Enthralled with a stronger barA
That Fate weaves on through a dull decayB
Like that of the old guitarA

James Whitcomb Riley



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